GORLOVKA (Sputnik) — A number of international observers have agreed to attend local elections in the eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), while participation of representatives from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) remains an open question, DPR negotiator at reconciliation talks Denis Pushilin said Sunday.
"Regarding the ODIHR, the question remains open. They do not intend to participate as observers, while a number of other international observers have already given their consent," Pushilin told journalists.
The Ukrainian government does not recognize the DPR along with the Lugansk People's Republic that voted for independence in May 2014, and Kiev has stated it would never formally recognize local election results.
Ukraine is expected to hold parliamentary elections on October 25. But Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway regions plan to hold local own elections, on October 18 and November 1 respectively.
